It's Monday and my second full week on unemployment. I'd started free falling back into some of my old worldly habits because of all this "free time" I have. Later in the day when I "found time" for Bible study it would be related to my struggle. If I'd taken the time with God first I'd have had the tools. Therefore I've concluded that God must come first. No food, Facebook or e-mail till my time with God is complete.
Having made that decision yesterday, I was pleased to read the first paragraph of Dr Stanley's devotional. "In our daily routine, it is easy to live with a worldly mindset. When our thoughts turn away from God, we can become dangerously self-dependent."
Today's passage was in John 10:7-10 NIV
7 Therefore Jesus said again, “Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. 8 All who have come before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep have not listened to them. 9 I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture. 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
In verse 9 we read that Jesus is our gate and only through him can one be saved. The phrase "come in and go out" does not refer to entering and exiting salvation. A shepherd leads his sheep to an area to graze. When they go out from the shepherd they will find what they need. Christ does that for us. He leads us to a place where he can provide our need. Our needs are not always what we want, but they will be enough for us to live the life Christ wants for us.
Verse 10 speaks of the thief. This could be the devil or his demons, the world and its ungodly system, or it could even be our own lusts and desires that drag us away from the Lord. It's at these times that we must believe the words of Christ. "I have come that they may of life, and have it to the full."
When an opportunity arises it must be filtered through scripture. It may not even be a bad thing, but is it what Christ wants for your life?
God Bless.
Monday, November 14, 2011
Saturday, November 12, 2011
No fear in love.
1 John 4:18 NIV
18 There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.
Every relationship I have had has always been one of fear of rejection or punishment. Behavior was modified to appease the one's I wanted to be loved by. This also effected my relationship with God. I would modify my behavior out of fear.
There is a place for real fear when dealing the an all powerful God. However when we study scripture and realize that EVERYTHING of God is motivated my love we start obey in Him from the motivation of love.
This then can translate into our personal relationships with one another. Is your motivation love or fear?
God Bless.
18 There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.
Every relationship I have had has always been one of fear of rejection or punishment. Behavior was modified to appease the one's I wanted to be loved by. This also effected my relationship with God. I would modify my behavior out of fear.
There is a place for real fear when dealing the an all powerful God. However when we study scripture and realize that EVERYTHING of God is motivated my love we start obey in Him from the motivation of love.
This then can translate into our personal relationships with one another. Is your motivation love or fear?
God Bless.
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Tremble at His Word
Isaiah 66:1-2 NIV
1 This is what the LORD says:
I am typing this on my LaZboy so when I read vs 1 I picture God with his feet up using earth as His hassock.
Frustration comes when I read God's questions. What can I really give God. He made everything. My time here on earth is so short so I really don't own anything to give Him.
But the thing that REALLY struck me today was the second have of verse 2. God does not want my stuff. He wants me humble and contrite. I had to look up contrite because though I thought I had a grasp on the meaning of the word, I could no put it into words. Turns out I did NOT understand the word.
contrite [kənˈtraɪt ˈkɒntraɪt]
I have the guilt, regret and shame down, but the resolve to avoid future sin not so much. There are still areas in my life that I have not surrendered to God.
Trembling at His word. Because of the above prideful attitude I am convicted that I willfully chose to ignore certain commands and decrees in God's word. I've been calloused against the awe and fear of the Lord. Time to deal with that.
God Bless.
1 This is what the LORD says:
“Heaven is my throne,
and the earth is my footstool.
Where is the house you will build for me?
Where will my resting place be?
2 Has not my hand made all these things,
and so they came into being?”
declares the LORD.
and the earth is my footstool.
Where is the house you will build for me?
Where will my resting place be?
2 Has not my hand made all these things,
and so they came into being?”
declares the LORD.
“These are the ones I look on with favor:
those who are humble and contrite in spirit,
and who tremble at my word.
those who are humble and contrite in spirit,
and who tremble at my word.
I am typing this on my LaZboy so when I read vs 1 I picture God with his feet up using earth as His hassock.
Frustration comes when I read God's questions. What can I really give God. He made everything. My time here on earth is so short so I really don't own anything to give Him.
But the thing that REALLY struck me today was the second have of verse 2. God does not want my stuff. He wants me humble and contrite. I had to look up contrite because though I thought I had a grasp on the meaning of the word, I could no put it into words. Turns out I did NOT understand the word.
contrite [kənˈtraɪt ˈkɒntraɪt]
adj
1. full of guilt or regret; remorseful
2. arising from a sense of shame or guilt contrite promises
3. (Christian Religious Writings / Theology) Theol remorseful for past sin and resolved to avoid future sin
[from Latin contrītus worn out, from conterere to bruise, from terere to grind]
contritely adv
contriteness n
Collins English Dictionary – Complete and Unabridged © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1994, 1998, 2000, 2003
I have the guilt, regret and shame down, but the resolve to avoid future sin not so much. There are still areas in my life that I have not surrendered to God.
Trembling at His word. Because of the above prideful attitude I am convicted that I willfully chose to ignore certain commands and decrees in God's word. I've been calloused against the awe and fear of the Lord. Time to deal with that.
God Bless.
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Wait
I decide to surf Facebook while eating breakfast and I read Psalm 62:5-7 ASV that our God had given to a new friend of mine who's been seeking the Lord face for answers. I will only concentrate on vs 5
5 My soul, wait thou in silence for God only; For my expectation is from him.
I've been trying to get the butterflies to calm down as today I apply for unemployment. Today the job search starts in full force. Add to that I'm still dealing with this divorce. I worry. I plot. I plan. I have no peace.
God I wait for you. You have the job planned for me. You know my future. Help me turn my expectation of provision from government programs to you. Help me turn my loneliness to you.
God Bless.
5 My soul, wait thou in silence for God only; For my expectation is from him.
I've been trying to get the butterflies to calm down as today I apply for unemployment. Today the job search starts in full force. Add to that I'm still dealing with this divorce. I worry. I plot. I plan. I have no peace.
God I wait for you. You have the job planned for me. You know my future. Help me turn my expectation of provision from government programs to you. Help me turn my loneliness to you.
God Bless.
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Missing the Word
Took the day off yesterday from everything except me and the absolute necessities. I even took the day off from Bible study and blogging.
I missed it. I missed the fellowship with God and the drinking in of His word. I missed the worship. I missed the sharing with anyone who reads the lesson.
These verses came to mind as I was typing.
2 Timothy 2:15 NIV
15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.
This is not talking about earning salvation. It's speaking of one who already IS a child of God doing his best to please Him. Think of a child who wants to please their parents. They do not earn their position as child, but the do try (most of the time) to please their parents.
To properly handle scripture one must know the scripture.
1 Peter 3:15 NIV
15 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,
As we learn to revere Christ as Lord people are going to ask questions because they see you are different. Are you ready for those questions? Can you with gentleness and respect for the person who is questioning you defend your believe with scripture? What if they are hostile/ taunting? Do you know and understand your beliefs enough to defend them?
We all need to spend time in God's word everyday. We need to ask the Holy Spirit to bring to our hearts what needs to change. Then the hard part. We need to do it.
God Bless.
I missed it. I missed the fellowship with God and the drinking in of His word. I missed the worship. I missed the sharing with anyone who reads the lesson.
These verses came to mind as I was typing.
2 Timothy 2:15 NIV
15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.
This is not talking about earning salvation. It's speaking of one who already IS a child of God doing his best to please Him. Think of a child who wants to please their parents. They do not earn their position as child, but the do try (most of the time) to please their parents.
To properly handle scripture one must know the scripture.
1 Peter 3:15 NIV
15 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,
As we learn to revere Christ as Lord people are going to ask questions because they see you are different. Are you ready for those questions? Can you with gentleness and respect for the person who is questioning you defend your believe with scripture? What if they are hostile/ taunting? Do you know and understand your beliefs enough to defend them?
We all need to spend time in God's word everyday. We need to ask the Holy Spirit to bring to our hearts what needs to change. Then the hard part. We need to do it.
God Bless.
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Attitude.
Matthew 20:25-28 NIV
25 Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. 26 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— 28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Are you a servant? I did not like the last few weeks of my job. I did the bare minimum and just put in my time until the last day. Though my manager understood my attitude and in someways even approved of what I did, I did not act as a servant. I did not follow Christ.
As I look for a new job in this weak economy, I need to change my attitude to one of a servant. A servant of God who happens to have a human employer.
God Bless.
25 Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. 26 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— 28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Are you a servant? I did not like the last few weeks of my job. I did the bare minimum and just put in my time until the last day. Though my manager understood my attitude and in someways even approved of what I did, I did not act as a servant. I did not follow Christ.
As I look for a new job in this weak economy, I need to change my attitude to one of a servant. A servant of God who happens to have a human employer.
God Bless.
Friday, November 4, 2011
Faithful Obedience
John 8:28-29 NIV
28 So Jesus said, “When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am he and that I do nothing on my own but speak just what the Father has taught me. 29 The one who sent me is with me; he has not left me alone, for I always do what pleases him.”
It is my belief that Jesus saying "lifted up" he was referring to his crucifixion. He states that he only does what the father taught him and what pleases him. Jesus is willing to follow his father all the way to death.
I'm convicted that so often my wants, desires and plans come before God. How about you?
God Bless.
28 So Jesus said, “When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am he and that I do nothing on my own but speak just what the Father has taught me. 29 The one who sent me is with me; he has not left me alone, for I always do what pleases him.”
It is my belief that Jesus saying "lifted up" he was referring to his crucifixion. He states that he only does what the father taught him and what pleases him. Jesus is willing to follow his father all the way to death.
I'm convicted that so often my wants, desires and plans come before God. How about you?
God Bless.
Thursday, November 3, 2011
God is in charge of our lives.
I woke worrying again this morning. The title of today's blog is one sentence from Dr Stanley's devotional today. It reminded me of some verses. I have no commentary today. Just read God's word and let the Holy Spirit minister to your heart.
Luke 12:4-7; 22-31 NIV
4 “I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. 5 But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after your body has been killed, has authority to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him. 6 Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. 7 Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.
22 Then Jesus said to his disciples: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. 23 For life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. 24 Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! 25 Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life? 26 Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?
God Bless.
Luke 12:4-7; 22-31 NIV
4 “I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. 5 But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after your body has been killed, has authority to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him. 6 Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. 7 Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.
22 Then Jesus said to his disciples: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. 23 For life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. 24 Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! 25 Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life? 26 Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?
27 “Consider how the wild flowers grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 28 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you—you of little faith! 29 And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. 30 For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. 31But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.
God Bless.
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Not a mistake.
Ephesians 1:3-14 NIV
3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.
Every spiritual blessing. Can you name them all? Neither can I. That means we need to keep getting to know God and learn exactly what they are and what benefit they may be to us here on earth.
4 For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love 5 he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.
Before the foundation of the world. Before Genesis 1: 1 when God said "Let there be light." I was chosen. Why? To stand blameless in his sight.
Because he loved me he knew he would adopt me. How? Through Jesus Christ. And he did it for his pleasure and will. He WANTED to do it. And he gives grace to me because he loves me.
7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace 8 that he lavished on us.
This is how a Holy sinless God could reach out to sinful me. Christ's blood redeemed me. It bought me back. It was not for anything I did, but that God loved me enough to give me grace. It was not given out in just the right portion, but it was "lavished" on me. I envision being covered like a coach the gets the Gatorade poured on him after the win.
With all wisdom and understanding, 9 he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, 10 to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ.
God's wisdom, understanding, good pleasure and purpose were all part of the decision to chose me. Everything will happen in His right timing as well. Why? "To bring all things in heaven and on earth under Christ."
11 In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, 12in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory.
Again I see chosen, predestined, plan and will. There is nothing here that was an oops or an after thought. All of this was done on purpose for his glory.
13 And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.
When I heard the word and accepted Christ's grace and redemption I received the Holy Spirit. When God looks at me he does not see the sinful wretch that he called. He sees His Spirit within and he knows that only that who have been redeemed by the blood of His Son have that Spirit. That's is our guarantee. And this too is for his glory.
If you are a child of God and you are feeling down, unloved, unwanted or worthless STOP. Remember who you really are. Let the Spirit encourage you through this time.
If you are reading this and you are not a child of God and want to be, then that is God calling you as well. Don't ignore it. Pray to God. Admit you're a sinner. Accept Christ's payment for your sin. I also encourage you to contact me so that I may be able to help you further.
God Bless.
Edit to Add. My friend Jennifer said this video is ideal for today's lesson. I agree.
3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.
Every spiritual blessing. Can you name them all? Neither can I. That means we need to keep getting to know God and learn exactly what they are and what benefit they may be to us here on earth.
4 For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love 5 he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.
Before the foundation of the world. Before Genesis 1: 1 when God said "Let there be light." I was chosen. Why? To stand blameless in his sight.
Because he loved me he knew he would adopt me. How? Through Jesus Christ. And he did it for his pleasure and will. He WANTED to do it. And he gives grace to me because he loves me.
7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace 8 that he lavished on us.
This is how a Holy sinless God could reach out to sinful me. Christ's blood redeemed me. It bought me back. It was not for anything I did, but that God loved me enough to give me grace. It was not given out in just the right portion, but it was "lavished" on me. I envision being covered like a coach the gets the Gatorade poured on him after the win.
With all wisdom and understanding, 9 he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, 10 to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ.
God's wisdom, understanding, good pleasure and purpose were all part of the decision to chose me. Everything will happen in His right timing as well. Why? "To bring all things in heaven and on earth under Christ."
11 In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, 12in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory.
Again I see chosen, predestined, plan and will. There is nothing here that was an oops or an after thought. All of this was done on purpose for his glory.
13 And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.
When I heard the word and accepted Christ's grace and redemption I received the Holy Spirit. When God looks at me he does not see the sinful wretch that he called. He sees His Spirit within and he knows that only that who have been redeemed by the blood of His Son have that Spirit. That's is our guarantee. And this too is for his glory.
If you are a child of God and you are feeling down, unloved, unwanted or worthless STOP. Remember who you really are. Let the Spirit encourage you through this time.
If you are reading this and you are not a child of God and want to be, then that is God calling you as well. Don't ignore it. Pray to God. Admit you're a sinner. Accept Christ's payment for your sin. I also encourage you to contact me so that I may be able to help you further.
God Bless.
Edit to Add. My friend Jennifer said this video is ideal for today's lesson. I agree.
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
True Freedom.
Still trying to get the butterflies in my stomach to calm down. So much going on in my brain with the divorce and now the job search begins in earnest. I am reading my devotional and I'm not really concentrating because my mind is being pulled in so many directions. Add to that it's a Salvation message, and I know I'm saved so in reality I'm just going through the motions. Till I read these words from Dr Stanley.
"In surrendering our life to Him, we find true freedom"
Stop the bus. What was that? I go to the top of the paragraph.
"Jesus' death and resurrection broke the bonds of sin. Are you living in the freedom His blood made possible?"
The lesson today was not about Salvation to non believers. It was about faith in Christ vs the works of the law. It was a message to believers. To ME! You can read the scripture here. Galatians 3:10-13; 21-24 NIV
The Christian walk is not about dos and don'ts. It's about faith in what Christ did for us and then living our life through him. I don't need to be worry about the things that were distracting me when this study began.
God Bless
"In surrendering our life to Him, we find true freedom"
Stop the bus. What was that? I go to the top of the paragraph.
"Jesus' death and resurrection broke the bonds of sin. Are you living in the freedom His blood made possible?"
The lesson today was not about Salvation to non believers. It was about faith in Christ vs the works of the law. It was a message to believers. To ME! You can read the scripture here. Galatians 3:10-13; 21-24 NIV
The Christian walk is not about dos and don'ts. It's about faith in what Christ did for us and then living our life through him. I don't need to be worry about the things that were distracting me when this study began.
God Bless
Monday, October 31, 2011
Last Day at work
Today is my last day. I have been with this company for 19 years. Sure the owners have changed hands many times during my tenure, but I have come to the same place and worked with the same people for a long time. I've been in job search mode of weeks now. Not much has come my way though in the last 24 hours I have had two leads that will be followed. Not quite sure where God is leading.
I open my devotional and find these words. Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV 5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
I could not think of better words to live by, especially in the days to come. God you are in control and I will follow you through this valley. When you bring me out the other side I pray that I will continue to rely upon you and not me.
Gob Bless.
I open my devotional and find these words. Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV 5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
I could not think of better words to live by, especially in the days to come. God you are in control and I will follow you through this valley. When you bring me out the other side I pray that I will continue to rely upon you and not me.
Gob Bless.
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Contentement
I think I have mentioned that I lose my job at the end of the day tomorrow. 19 years of a steady paycheck gone. Do I trust God?
Today these verses were shared during my Adult Bible Fellowship.
I Timothy 6:6-8 NIV
6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 8 But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.
I've been spoiled for a long time with all my needs and lots of my greeds. I hope to find contentment in God over the next few weeks/months/ hopefully NOT years and I am forced to pull back on my spending to get through this lean time.
God bless.
Today these verses were shared during my Adult Bible Fellowship.
I Timothy 6:6-8 NIV
6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 8 But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.
I've been spoiled for a long time with all my needs and lots of my greeds. I hope to find contentment in God over the next few weeks/months/ hopefully NOT years and I am forced to pull back on my spending to get through this lean time.
God bless.
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Faith of Abraham
If one had told me 5 years ago that Romans would become one of my favorite books, I would have dismissed it. I was under the false assumption that Romans was a deep book that should be left to theologians. I don't remember exactly when I studied the book, but since those first readings and studies, I have come to LOVE this book.
Today's reading comes from Romans 4:16-21 NIV. As always I encourage you to read it. This morning I only want to focus on vs 20 and 21. 20 Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, 21 being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised.
Abraham was old. Sarah was old. They were beyond the child bearing years. His faith strengthened him and he believed God's promise. Now if you go back to Genesis and read the entire story, Abraham did make mistakes. However he still kept his faith in God's promise.
Romans 5:1-2 NIV 1 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,2 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God.
We covered this verses on October 20. It is through faith that we stand it God's grace. It's nothing we do for God.
So I ask myself and anyone reading this. Do you have true faith? Does your faith strengthen you in trials? I can honestly say YES! I'm in a trial right now and God has been the only reason that I have peace. Don't get me wrong, I've made lots of mistakes, but God has been faithful and I have been growing in spite of them.
Don't give up on God in your trials. Run to Him.
God Bless.
Today's reading comes from Romans 4:16-21 NIV. As always I encourage you to read it. This morning I only want to focus on vs 20 and 21. 20 Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, 21 being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised.
Abraham was old. Sarah was old. They were beyond the child bearing years. His faith strengthened him and he believed God's promise. Now if you go back to Genesis and read the entire story, Abraham did make mistakes. However he still kept his faith in God's promise.
Romans 5:1-2 NIV 1 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,2 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God.
We covered this verses on October 20. It is through faith that we stand it God's grace. It's nothing we do for God.
So I ask myself and anyone reading this. Do you have true faith? Does your faith strengthen you in trials? I can honestly say YES! I'm in a trial right now and God has been the only reason that I have peace. Don't get me wrong, I've made lots of mistakes, but God has been faithful and I have been growing in spite of them.
Don't give up on God in your trials. Run to Him.
God Bless.
Friday, October 28, 2011
Christ's call to believers
When I opened my devotional today and saw the title "Understanding Your Call" my heart jumped inside. With the divorce happening and the fact that I'm losing my job this Monday, I'm in a tailspin emotionally and just not sure which end is up and where God wants me to go. I'm not sure exactly what I was expecting but the verses were not it. However, they were what I needed to hear.
Mark 8:34-35 NIV 34 Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. 35 For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it.
Deny myself. I've lost my home and many things that I valued when we separated. A large part of me wants to reacquire as much as I can. However God has shown me that I don't need it and replacing it will cost much more than I have right now.
Pick up my cross. I need to die to self like I discussed this past Wed. My constant need to win has to go. My need to make sure things go my way has to go. My constant desire to get what I want NOW has to go. Dead people do not get their way once they are dead.
Follow Christ. What was it that Jesus did? He obeyed his Father's will all the way to death. He did not live for himself in anything that he did. It was all for the glory of his father. I too need to submit to God's will.
For years I tried to control every aspect of my life and of the people around me. I've lost so much because of it. Time to surrender...again.
You see the Christian life is a journey. We will never arrive at perfection till we stand before Christ and he makes up perfect. In the meantime we continue to surrender bit by bit as the Holy Spirit makes things he wants removed clear.
God Bless.
Mark 8:34-35 NIV 34 Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. 35 For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it.
Deny myself. I've lost my home and many things that I valued when we separated. A large part of me wants to reacquire as much as I can. However God has shown me that I don't need it and replacing it will cost much more than I have right now.
Pick up my cross. I need to die to self like I discussed this past Wed. My constant need to win has to go. My need to make sure things go my way has to go. My constant desire to get what I want NOW has to go. Dead people do not get their way once they are dead.
Follow Christ. What was it that Jesus did? He obeyed his Father's will all the way to death. He did not live for himself in anything that he did. It was all for the glory of his father. I too need to submit to God's will.
For years I tried to control every aspect of my life and of the people around me. I've lost so much because of it. Time to surrender...again.
You see the Christian life is a journey. We will never arrive at perfection till we stand before Christ and he makes up perfect. In the meantime we continue to surrender bit by bit as the Holy Spirit makes things he wants removed clear.
God Bless.
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Worldly wealth, anxiety and security in God.
I was chatting with a friend on Facebook this morning and they shared with me some verses that struck a chord with me right down to my soul. I was thinking, "I just received my blog today." When I did my morning devotional it too struck a cord. I was not sure which to blog about. Then I realized they each built on one another.
Today's devotions was in Luke 12:16-21. Jesus was telling the parable of the rich man who's crops were so abundant that he torn down his barns and built bigger ones. The then said I have food for years to come I will just sit back and relax. That night he died and all his wealth went to others.
This parable does not mean we don't have 401k or some other retirement in place. It does not mean we don't put away something for our future. It's talking about where are you placing your trust. This man was not rich toward God and it cost him his life.
This ties in with what my friend shared. Philippians 4:6 NIV 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Are you anxious about your future? Where will you live? How will you pay for the things you "need"? Be thankful to God for what you have, pray to him for what you need and as the very next verse in this chapter says, And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Psalm 18:1-2 NIV
1 I love you, LORD, my strength.
2 The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;
my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge,
my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
Meditate on these verses. Let you heart listen to what they are saying. Do we really need to store up huge excess for our future? Do we really need to worry? God is in control. He will guide us.
God Bless
Today's devotions was in Luke 12:16-21. Jesus was telling the parable of the rich man who's crops were so abundant that he torn down his barns and built bigger ones. The then said I have food for years to come I will just sit back and relax. That night he died and all his wealth went to others.
This parable does not mean we don't have 401k or some other retirement in place. It does not mean we don't put away something for our future. It's talking about where are you placing your trust. This man was not rich toward God and it cost him his life.
This ties in with what my friend shared. Philippians 4:6 NIV 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Are you anxious about your future? Where will you live? How will you pay for the things you "need"? Be thankful to God for what you have, pray to him for what you need and as the very next verse in this chapter says, And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Psalm 18:1-2 NIV
1 I love you, LORD, my strength.
2 The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;
my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge,
my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
Meditate on these verses. Let you heart listen to what they are saying. Do we really need to store up huge excess for our future? Do we really need to worry? God is in control. He will guide us.
God Bless
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Earthly or Heavenly?
I come down to breakfast and once again my landlord has his Bible out and open on the table. This time it is open to Colossians 3. I smile to myself because the last time Bob left his Bible open God met me at breakfast. I did not want to get too excited because I was "sure" it would not happen again. Wrong!
I encourage you to read the whole chapter. For the sake of time I will only be focusing on vs 1-4 NIV
1 Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
As I read this words I was convicted. Yes I take time for God every day, but there is the problem. The things of God should BE my day. Every action, deed, thought and plan should be steeped in God.
Verse three says that "I" have died. Having been to many funerals, I've never once seen a corpse start gathering their possessions to take with them. A corpse does not worry about things. Everything that was important to them on earth is no longer a concern because they are dead.
My life is hidden in Christ. One day I will be with him in Glory and the concerns of this earth will be trivial.
Later, when I took the time to open my email devotional from Dr Stanley he discussed the story of Lazarus and the Rich man. This statements really caught my attention.
" It is important to realize that this man wasn’t judged harshly by God because of his wealth. The heavenly Father is not opposed to our success. Nor was the man separated from the Lord because of his lack of charity toward others. He did not deliberately harm others but, rather, overlooked those in need and focused on himself.
The rich man’s mistake was that he prepared everything for the body but nothing for the soul. Our culture practices a similar style of living. Acquiring material riches and satisfying self is the primary pursuit of many in our world." -Dr Charles Stanley
I got the same basic message from two separate sources, yet it is my conviction there is only ONE source and that is the Holy Spirit.
So I pause this morning and search my heart. What are my goals? Where am I going? Are the things of earth or the things of heaven my pursuit?
God Bless.
I encourage you to read the whole chapter. For the sake of time I will only be focusing on vs 1-4 NIV
1 Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
As I read this words I was convicted. Yes I take time for God every day, but there is the problem. The things of God should BE my day. Every action, deed, thought and plan should be steeped in God.
Verse three says that "I" have died. Having been to many funerals, I've never once seen a corpse start gathering their possessions to take with them. A corpse does not worry about things. Everything that was important to them on earth is no longer a concern because they are dead.
My life is hidden in Christ. One day I will be with him in Glory and the concerns of this earth will be trivial.
Later, when I took the time to open my email devotional from Dr Stanley he discussed the story of Lazarus and the Rich man. This statements really caught my attention.
" It is important to realize that this man wasn’t judged harshly by God because of his wealth. The heavenly Father is not opposed to our success. Nor was the man separated from the Lord because of his lack of charity toward others. He did not deliberately harm others but, rather, overlooked those in need and focused on himself.
The rich man’s mistake was that he prepared everything for the body but nothing for the soul. Our culture practices a similar style of living. Acquiring material riches and satisfying self is the primary pursuit of many in our world." -Dr Charles Stanley
I got the same basic message from two separate sources, yet it is my conviction there is only ONE source and that is the Holy Spirit.
So I pause this morning and search my heart. What are my goals? Where am I going? Are the things of earth or the things of heaven my pursuit?
God Bless.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Perseverance under Trial
I received some potentially good information this morning and there is the temptation to push/meddle/attempt to coerce and influence the final outcome. My Facebook friend shared her devotional this morning which included a quote from CS Lewis, "We must try to take life moment by moment. The actual PRESENT is usually pretty tolerable I think, if only we refrain from adding to its burden that of the past and the future."
This inspired me to do my own devotional as I was getting some nervous excitement about the future.
James 1:12-15 NIV 2 Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.
My trial right now is to SHUT UP and let God work. If I give in to my temptation to manipulate I will only cause myself and those I love more pain.
Dear God you know my heart. Give me your wisdom as I go through these next few weeks. I hurt inside yet you know my deepest pain. I wait for you. I chose to trust you.
God Bless.
This inspired me to do my own devotional as I was getting some nervous excitement about the future.
James 1:12-15 NIV 2 Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.
13 When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; 14 but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed.15 Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.
Dear God you know my heart. Give me your wisdom as I go through these next few weeks. I hurt inside yet you know my deepest pain. I wait for you. I chose to trust you.
God Bless.
Monday, October 24, 2011
Anger is NOT a sin.
Ephesians 4:26-27 NIV 26 “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 and do not give the devil a foothold.
Anger is a legitimate emotion given to us by God. Scripture records Jesus getting angry at the money changers. In his anger he did not sin. His was a righteous anger.
That's the part that gets us as humans rarely is our anger a righteous anger at a true injustice. Most of the time we get angry at a perceived offense. We did not get our way so we take revenge on the offending party and therefore we sin.
Next time you get angry stop. Pray and ask the Holy Spirit to guide you. Is this a true injustice or did I just get my ego bruised? After careful contemplation ask the Holy Spirit for guidance in the next step. I think the vast majority of the time everything will end right there.
Should you be lead to approach the offender go humbly. Be quick to forgive just as God forgives us. Make every effort to make peace. If they do not respond, forgive them anyway and don't go to bed angry.
This is not easy. Pride tends to make us want to punish the offender or fix them. That is God's job. If you have done what you can, then let it go.
God Bless.
Pete
Anger is a legitimate emotion given to us by God. Scripture records Jesus getting angry at the money changers. In his anger he did not sin. His was a righteous anger.
That's the part that gets us as humans rarely is our anger a righteous anger at a true injustice. Most of the time we get angry at a perceived offense. We did not get our way so we take revenge on the offending party and therefore we sin.
Next time you get angry stop. Pray and ask the Holy Spirit to guide you. Is this a true injustice or did I just get my ego bruised? After careful contemplation ask the Holy Spirit for guidance in the next step. I think the vast majority of the time everything will end right there.
Should you be lead to approach the offender go humbly. Be quick to forgive just as God forgives us. Make every effort to make peace. If they do not respond, forgive them anyway and don't go to bed angry.
This is not easy. Pride tends to make us want to punish the offender or fix them. That is God's job. If you have done what you can, then let it go.
God Bless.
Pete
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Verses in context.
Ephesians 4:32 was a memory verse of mine as a child. I still remember it, though my memory is in the KJV "Be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving another, even as God for Christ's sake has forgiven you." I've been carrying this verse since 2nd grade though I have to admit I have had little success in applying it. I know that just plain stubborn unforgiveness, pride and arrogance is part of the problem. I want what I want sometimes and I don't care who I hurt. But another reason I believe is I've only has a portion of the instruction.
Ephesians 4:29-32 NIV 29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Vs 29. There was a time in my life the I took pride in my foul mouth. I could take any statement and twist it into a dirty joke. Praise God he has given me victory over that. However I still need work on building people up. I still enjoy the "cut down" joke.
Vs. 30. Here is the motivation for these commands. We are not to grieve the Holy Spirit. As a parent are you going to stand still while another person verbally or physically abuses your child? Of course not. When we deal with other Christians we need to remember that they too are a child of God. When the world sees how much we love each other, they will want to be part of us.
Vs. 31. Do you have some baggage you need to leave at the cross? How can one be kind if they are angry? How can one be tender if they're bitter? How can one expect to forgive they're always in a rage? Notice this is something we are told to do ourselves. Yes, you do need to pray. Yes there will be days you will struggle. However this is something we are told to do. We're to put it away. Even as I type these words, I am thinking of bitterness and anger that I still harbor.
Vs.32. Now we can get to the place where we can be kind, compassionate, tenderhearted and forgiving.
I have some work to do with the Holy Spirit when I close this blog today. How about you?
I also want to encourage you to memorizes scripture, but I intend to memorize entire sections so the entire point is there and not just one point out of context.
God Bless.
Ephesians 4:29-32 NIV 29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Vs 29. There was a time in my life the I took pride in my foul mouth. I could take any statement and twist it into a dirty joke. Praise God he has given me victory over that. However I still need work on building people up. I still enjoy the "cut down" joke.
Vs. 30. Here is the motivation for these commands. We are not to grieve the Holy Spirit. As a parent are you going to stand still while another person verbally or physically abuses your child? Of course not. When we deal with other Christians we need to remember that they too are a child of God. When the world sees how much we love each other, they will want to be part of us.
Vs. 31. Do you have some baggage you need to leave at the cross? How can one be kind if they are angry? How can one be tender if they're bitter? How can one expect to forgive they're always in a rage? Notice this is something we are told to do ourselves. Yes, you do need to pray. Yes there will be days you will struggle. However this is something we are told to do. We're to put it away. Even as I type these words, I am thinking of bitterness and anger that I still harbor.
Vs.32. Now we can get to the place where we can be kind, compassionate, tenderhearted and forgiving.
I have some work to do with the Holy Spirit when I close this blog today. How about you?
I also want to encourage you to memorizes scripture, but I intend to memorize entire sections so the entire point is there and not just one point out of context.
God Bless.
Friday, October 21, 2011
Principle or Preference
Mathew 26:36-42 NIV tells the story of Jesus praying to the Father. He asked him to find another way if possible. Yet he submitted to the Father's will and laid down his life. The Roman's did not take it. He gave it willingly.
I am going through thing's, that I really don't want to go through, that will force me to lay down my will if I am to survive.
God I pray I get to the point where I can utter the words of Jesus, "Not my will, but yours." Am I going to follow you or my flesh?
God Bless
I am going through thing's, that I really don't want to go through, that will force me to lay down my will if I am to survive.
God I pray I get to the point where I can utter the words of Jesus, "Not my will, but yours." Am I going to follow you or my flesh?
God Bless
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